Top tier Wife

4:All about the money

“The tens of thousands you borrowed for her? Just consider it money you lost playing cards. With your current salary, you can pay it off in a year or two. Next time you look for a woman, open your eyes and don’t fall for someone like her again,” Liu Yan said slowly.

“Yeah, Qiangzi, just let it go!” Bi Luo Chun quickly added.

“I didn’t chase her for that tens of thousands. That money wasn’t borrowed for her—it was something I willingly borrowed from my relatives and friends myself. So, it’s my debt, and I’ll pay it myself. I don’t blame her, and I don’t hate her. I also haven’t been holding on to her. The only reason I’m looking for her is to get an answer—to know why she left me,” Jake M said coldly.

“The answer is obvious, isn’t it? You don’t have money, she couldn’t handle living a life without it. It’s that simple!” Liu Yan said.

“She’s been with me for more than a year. She’s known about my financial situation from day one. And I don’t believe she’s materialistic—unless she tells me herself. Whatever the answer is, I have to find her. I need her to stand in front of me and tell me herself,” Jake M said firmly.

“Why bother? Qiangzi, you’re too stubborn!” Liu Yan sighed, then continued, “People change. How they were before doesn’t mean they’re the same now. You’re right—she did contact me before leaving you, but I don’t know much. The only thing I know is that she seemed to be in frequent contact with a wealthy man, and she told me herself. At the time, I scolded her, but I could tell she was very hesitant—hesitant about staying with you or leaving for that man. After that, you came, and we lost contact. The truth is clear—she abandoned you for that man. That’s all I know. We didn’t tell you because we didn’t want to hurt you. We thought time would help you forget, but after a few months, you’re still holding on. Why put yourself through this? Is she worth it?” Liu Yan said earnestly.

“There’s no such thing as worth or not worth in this world. I want to forget too, but I’m stubborn by nature. I won’t let it go until I hear her tell me herself. Enough, Lao Bi, Liu Yan. Let’s stop talking—let’s drink. I appreciate you guys in my heart. Cheers!” Jake M said, sighing, clinking bottles with Lao Bi, and then started drinking while eating.

“Now that I have my answer, tomorrow I’ll go find a place to rent and won’t disturb you two anymore. If Lao Bi loses his manhood over this, I can’t be held responsible,” Jake M joked.

“Spit, nothing good comes out of a dog’s mouth!” Liu Yan, blushing, scolded. Jake M laughed heartily.

“No rush. When will you have time? Liu Yan and I have rest days on weekends, so we’ll help you find a place then,” Bi Luo Chun said, feeling guilty about making Jake M leave, but there was nothing he could do.

“No need. I know where to find a place better than you. I walk the streets all day—I know cheap places. Moving immediately isn’t realistic anyway, so you’ll have to put up with me for a couple more days. And remember, keep it quiet tonight, Liu Yan—your singing rhythm is too strong!”

“Shut up, or you sleep in the hallway tonight,” Liu Yan snapped.

The next morning, Jake M quietly packed his things before Liu Yan and Bi Luo Chun got up. He didn’t have much—a few clothes, just the clothes he came with in a travel bag. He prepared to go to work and find a place to rent nearby, combining it with his job for convenience.

Jake M moved quickly. By that afternoon, he had rented a basement room. It was probably a former parking garage, later converted into small apartments. His room was about 14–15 square meters, furnished with a bed, an old desk, and a chair. Electricity was included, but water usage was shared. Rent was 500 RMB a month—the cheapest he could find in Shanghai. He was satisfied, except the basement was dark and stuffy. But he only slept there, so he didn’t care.

After a busy day, he bought daily necessities and a small electric stove with a pot. That was his entire household.

Returning home, he found Bi Luo Chun and Liu Yan waiting outside his new place. He wasn’t surprised; Bi Luo Chun had called him earlier.

“D*mn, this is the place you rented? Why so stingy? And you live here? Look at the neighborhood—full of migrant workers!” Bi Luo Chun scolded.

“So what if they’re migrant workers? Don’t look down on them. They’re the heroes of urban development. Without them, there’d be no cities,” Jake M replied politely, carrying his luggage inside.

“Look, don’t push yourself too hard. You work all day to earn money, sure, but you deserve better. Why live in a place like this?” Bi Luo Chun said angrily.

“I know, bro. But I’m fine with it. A man like me doesn’t care much about living conditions. It’s got electricity, internet, a bed—I can sleep. And I need to save money to pay off debt. That’s enough for me. Come on, tonight I’ll treat you both to dinner to celebrate my move. Anything you want to eat, go ahead—but anything over 300 RMB, you pay the difference,” Jake M said cheerfully. They went out to eat.

“Hello!”“Hello! Are you Mr. Jake M?”“Yes, I am. Who’s this?” Jake M answered while riding his electric bike.

“Your daughter, who you saved from a traffic accident a few days ago—this is her father. We are extremely grateful. We found your contact after checking with the police. May we meet you to thank you in person?”

Jake M remembered after a moment and asked, “Is your daughter okay?”

“She’s fine, just fainted and stayed two days in the hospital. She’s out now. Can we meet you?”

“No, you’re too polite. I just did what anyone would do. I’m glad she’s safe. Please, don’t come to my workplace or make this public online. That would embarrass me. That’s thanks enough. Goodbye!” Jake M said and hung up, relieved.

Friday night, Jake M got off work late. Fast food and a quick meal sufficed; he ate instant noodles and checked online for any sign of Nie Qian, but found nothing.

Just as he finished, his phone rang. The caller ID showed “Tiger Mom,” Jake M’s nickname for Rose J.

“Hey!”“Where are you? Come to my place immediately,” Rose J said coldly.

“It’s late, and you said I only work Wednesdays. It’s Friday,” Jake M replied.

“Check your contract. Ten minutes, get dressed!” Rose J insisted.

He gave her his address, got dressed, and she came to pick him up.

Once inside, they heard a child crying. Rose J’s nanny was trying to soothe him.

“I want Daddy! I want Daddy!” the child wailed.

“Son, Daddy’s back!” Jake M said, holding him. The child cried harder into his arms.

Rose J whispered, “Calm him. He’s been crying all night.”

“Daddy won’t leave tonight,” Jake M assured the child. Rose J’s relief was visible.

“Are you sure you won’t leave tonight?” the child asked.“I’m sure,” Jake M said. Rose J nodded approvingly.

After the child stopped crying, Jake M and Rose J took care of him, with Jake M enjoying the warm family moment.

“Since you’re so insistent, I’ll give you a raise—5,000 more per month, 20,000 in total. Okay?” Rose J said.

Jake M, surprised but happy, replied, “I didn’t ask for a raise; I’m not that kind of person.”